The newly formed Fort Myers Philharmonic seeks to hire an experienced Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The Fort Myers Philharmonic (FMPhil) is a professional orchestra dedicated to presenting outstanding symphonic music while fostering meaningful connections throughout Southwest Florida.

Led by internationally acclaimed Music Director and Conductor Maestro Paul Nadler, the Philharmonic brings together elite professional musicians to deliver performances defined by musical excellence, emotional depth, and unforgettable experiences. The inaugural season will include classical concerts led by Maestro Paul Nadler, and pops concerts led by Principal Pops Conductor Maestro Christopher Confessore. Nine concerts with twenty-four performances are planned for the inaugural season. The first concert will be performed on September 11, 2026: Honoring First Responders and the 25th Anniversary of 9/11.

The Fort Myers Philharmonic Chairman of the Board is acting as interim CEO, with five actively supportive board members assuming various roles to enable the Philharmonic to launch its inaugural season.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OVERVIEW

The CEO is a full-time position reporting to the Board of Directors through the Board Chair. The CEO will work with a Development Officer, CEO/Development Assistant, part-time Box Office employee, contracted accounting professionals, and marketing consultants. As FMPhil grows, the organization expects to expand office support and community programs.

This position is expected to be hybrid and primarily in-person in Fort Myers, Florida. Relocation is required. The anticipated start date is by October 1, 2026.

The CEO is responsible for the overall management, financial health, and strategic direction of the organization, working closely with the Music Director and Board of Directors to fulfill the orchestra’s artistic mission.

The CEO will:

● Work directly with the Board Chair to develop the overall strategy for FMPhil and manage staff members and contracted consultants.

● Work closely with the Music Director on the planning and delivery of the orchestra’s music activities. The Music Director is responsible for artistic programming, while the CEO advises on affordability, logistics, staffing, production, and organizational capacity.

● Consult with key musicians, the Development Officer, Music Director, and Board Chair on the strategic development of programs and their integration into educational opportunities and community involvement.

● Play a key role in ensuring that FMPhil maintains a welcoming, professional environment that is respectful and supportive of employees, musicians, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and audiences.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Working in partnership with the Board, Music Director, and Principal Pops Conductor, the CEO will develop a strategic business plan for the next three years.

Working closely with the FMPhil Development Officer and the Board’s Development Committee, the CEO will be responsible for developing and implementing FMPhil’s overall fundraising strategy.

The CEO will be expected to:

● Coordinate and oversee the efforts of all staff and contracted providers.

● Develop new major sponsors, donors, and foundation relationships.

● Help recruit new Board members.

● Act as one of the primary spokespeople for the organization to prospective sponsors, business partners, donors, and community leaders.

● Oversee the day-to-day management and financial well-being of the organization.

● Work closely with the organization’s accountant to prepare monthly financial reports and annual meeting materials.

● Oversee annual performance evaluations for employees and contracted personnel.

● Work with the Board Chair to oversee the Board of Directors’ annual self-assessment process.

● Oversee the timely planning and successful delivery of FMPhil productions and concerts.

● Work with the Music Director and Principal Pops Conductor on the hiring of guest artists, including negotiations and completion of contracts.

● Work with the Marketing Consultant to create marketing, digital, print, and social media plans. The CEO will be responsible for the strength, clarity, consistency, and development of the FMPhil brand.

● Manage FMPhil’s in-house agreement with musicians, ensuring compliance and negotiating terms as the agreement expires.

● Work with the Board, Development Officer, and Education Committee to foster strong relationships with community partners and the wider public, and to build enduring support for the orchestra.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

We recognize that outstanding applicants often come from different professional backgrounds. If your work history and skill set differ from the criteria below, but you believe you would be an effective CEO for the Fort Myers Philharmonic, we still want to hear from you. Tell us why this opportunity appeals to you, what personal qualities will help you succeed, and how your experience has prepared you for this role.

Experience Expectations

● Experience in the operations, leadership, and administration of professional orchestras or comparable organizations.

● Established history of partnership development, collaboration, funding initiatives, and program development to further an organization’s goals and aspirations.

● Experience raising funds for creative projects and nonprofit programs.

Skills and Qualities

● A passion for classical music, practical knowledge of orchestral music, and belief in the importance of the art form.

● The ambition to make a transformative impact on our organization.

● Demonstrable strategic thinking and management skills.

● Outstanding problem-solving skills and an ability to respond effectively to unexpected situations.

● An entrepreneurial approach to leading projects or initiatives.

● Excellent communication and advocacy skills, particularly public speaking and writing ability.

● Ability to negotiate, delegate, manage conflict, and provide guidance to enhance employee job performance and team esprit.

● A sincere and demonstrable commitment to broadening cultural diversity and access.

● Extensive knowledge of industry best practices.

● An understanding of current music industry trends and norms.

● Excellent relevant industry contacts and networks.

● Ability to understand issues facing the arts sector and establish a balance between artistic priorities and business priorities.

● A practical understanding of working in the community to deliver programs that enhance the arts experience for all residents and visitors.

● Experience in a senior role in a leading arts organization.

● Experience working with marketing teams to reach target audiences and achieve sales targets.

● Ability and willingness to travel to external meetings.

● Commitment to organizational well-being, artistic excellence, and high-value performances aligned with the needs and expectations of the community and the FMPhil family, including patrons, board members, musicians, staff, and volunteers.

● Ability to anticipate challenges and develop appropriate solutions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified applicants must have a bachelor’s degree; a master’s degree is preferred. Candidates should have a minimum of five to seven years of increasing responsibility in a senior management role at a performing arts organization, similar nonprofit organization, or highly successful company or corporation.

The ideal candidate is currently serving as Executive Director or CEO in a smaller orchestra or holds a senior position in a larger orchestra.

Candidates should possess a strong command of the business of running a performing arts organization, including financial management, staff development, communication skills, donor stewardship, and successful solicitation of major gifts.

Candidates must also know how to work effectively with a Music Director, Board members, staff, musicians, and volunteers, and have an avid interest in and/or knowledge of orchestral music or a closely related art form.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The anticipated salary range for this position is commensurate with experience.

FMPhil does not currently offer employer-sponsored health insurance. Benefits include paid time off, flexibility, and meaningful start-up leadership experience.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, résumé, references, salary expectations, and details on why FMPhil should consider you as a viable candidate to: info@fmphil.org

Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

All inquiries may be directed to the Chairman of the Board at: info@fmphil.org

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The Fort Myers Philharmonic is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees, musicians, guest artists, patrons, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community members. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person